In a nail-biting match between No. 17 Kansas State and Tulane, a disputed call overshadowed what could have been a game-changing touchdown for the Green Wave. As the clock ticked down with Kansas State leading 34-27, Yulkeith Brown appeared to secure a touchdown catch with just 17 seconds remaining. However, the exhilaration was short-lived as Dontae Fleming was flagged for offensive pass interference, nullifying the score.

The decision to penalize Tulane for offensive pass interference left many questioning if the call was fair. While Fleming did impede his defender, it was argued that the defender was actively engaged with Fleming and not making an effort to cover Brown. Offensive pass interference is typically called when a receiver deliberately interferes with a defender who is covering another player. In this case, cornerback Jacob Parrish only reacted towards Brown once the pass had been thrown.

Had Brown's touchdown been allowed, Tulane would have had the opportunity to either tie the game with an extra point or go for a two-point conversion to secure a thrilling victory. Unfortunately for the Green Wave, the penalty pushed them back 15 yards, and on the subsequent plays, Darian Mensah was intercepted in the end zone, dashing Tulane's hopes of a comeback.

The impact of this controversial call may extend beyond this particular game, potentially influencing the College Football Playoff picture at the end of the season. Tulane, as one of the top teams outside the power four conferences, is considered a strong contender for the Group of Five's spot in the expanded playoffs. A win against Kansas State would have significantly bolstered Tulane's resume, especially if they clinched the American Athletic Conference title and ended up with a similar record to teams like Boise State.

Instead, Kansas State emerged victorious and now looks ahead to a Week 3 home test against No. 20 Arizona. Interestingly, even though both teams are a part of the same conference, the game is scheduled as a non-conference match due to Arizona's recent move to the Big 12 this summer. The outcome of this upcoming clash could have ramifications for Kansas State's position in the rankings.

As debates continue over the disputed call, Tulane must regroup and refocus on their upcoming games. While the controversy may have dimmed their chances for now, there is still a long season ahead, and the Green Wave will have more opportunities to showcase their talent and solidify their position among the college football elite.